Annual Report

of the

Independent Monitoring Board at

HMYOI Feltham

for reporting Year

(1 November 2016 to 31 October 2017)

Published (April 2018)

Monitoring fairness and respect for people in custody

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introductory Sections

Section Topic Page

1 Statutory Role 4

2 Executive Summary 5

3 Description of Establishment 10

Evidence Sections

4 Safety 11

5 Equality and Fairness 13

6 Adjudication, Segregation, Care and Separation 15

7 Accommodation 18

8 Healthcare (including mental health and social care) 19

9 Education, Purposeful Activity and Preparation for Release 21

C The Work of the IMB 26

D Applications to the IMB 27

4

A Sections 1 - 3

STATUTORY ROLE OF THE IMB

The Prison Act 1952 requires every prison to be monitored by an independent Board appointed by the Secretary of State from members of the community in which the prison or centre is situated.

The Board is specifically charged to:

(1) satisfy itself as to the humane and just treatment of those held in custody within its prison and the range and adequacy of the programmes preparing them for release.

(2) inform promptly the Secretary of State, or any official to whom he has delegated authority as it judges appropriate, any concern it has.

(3) report annually to the Secretary of State on how well the prison has met the standards and requirements placed on it and what impact these have on those in its custody.

To enable the Board to carry out these duties effectively, its members have right of access to every prisoner and every part of the prison and also to the prison’s records.

5

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

2.1 Throughout this report the term young person/people (YP) has been used to

refer to prisoners aged 15-18 on Feltham A. The term young adult (YA) has been used

to refer to prisoners aged 18-21 on Feltham B. Where comments refer to both Feltham

A and B, the term young people/adults (YA/YP) is used.

2.2 This report presents the findings of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at

HM Young Offenders’ Institution (YOI) Feltham for the period 1st November 2016 to

31st October 2017. Over this period IMB members made 470 visits to Feltham. Evidence

for this report comes from observations made on visits, scrutiny of records and of data,

attendance at prison meetings, informal contact with prisoners and staff, and

applications by prisoners to speak to the IMB.

2.3 The Board wishes to commend the Feltham staff, at all levels, for another year of

dedicated and committed work caring for some of the most challenging, complex and

vulnerable young men in Britain.

Main judgements

2.4 Are prisoners treated fairly?

2.4.1 At the beginning of the reporting period all prisoners endured frequent and

unpredictable daily regime changes, often caused by a shortage of uniformed staff. They

spent far too much time in their cells, and too little time in education, purposeful

activity and association. This led to much frustration and, in the IMB’s view, to increased

and sometimes explosive violence.

2.4.2 Much has been done to address staffing problems over the year. The prison was

reprofiled in February 2017 and the shortfall in officers fell from 72 in October 2016 to

50 by November 2017. Detached detail staff from other YOI establishments helped

make up this shortfall. Access for prisoners to education and workshops has improved

during the reporting period.

2.4.3 It is an unusual week that passes without several violent incidents. However, the

Board acknowledges that significant improvements were made in the latter part of the

year through custodial managers and officers directly addressing the causes and

incidences of violence. The number of prisoner on prisoner assaults has dropped by a

third since January 2017 and assaults on staff have also greatly reduced.

2.4.4 Bullying on the units continues to a matter of concern. This is addressed through

the weekly Behaviour Management Meetings.

6

2.4.5 The Conflict Resolution Team has had impressive results [4.1.1] with this very

complex group of prisoners.

2.4.6 The board acknowledges the efforts made by the Governor and his staff to treat

prisoners fairly and compassionately. However, when changes are made to the daily

regime at very short notice this does not feel fair to prisoners who, consequently, may

be confined to their cells for much longer.

2.4.7 The IMB still receives more applications regarding the loss of personal property

during transfer than anything else. The identification, tracking and basic care of

prisoners’ property needs to be improved as a matter of real urgency, both at local and

national level. The cost of paying compensation to prisoners is extremely high and

money does not always recompense for the loss of very personal items.

2.4.8 Responses to Request and Complaint forms (Comp 1) can be slow and overrun

the two-week period the prison aims to achieve. One of the most common subjects for a

Comp 1 is missing property during prison transfer. Responses to property complaints

directed at other establishments are often slow and replies, when received, can be

unhelpful.

2.4.9 Although there were fewer applications to the IMB about the Incentives and

Earned Privileges (IEP) system than last year, there are still some prisoners who feel

they are treated unfairly or not given enough opportunity to move to enhanced status.

In the summer of 2017 the whole IEP system was reviewed and new initiatives are now

being piloted with some success.

2.4.10 Board members regularly attend adjudications conducted both by Governors and

by outside adjudicators. These adjudications are conducted well, in an age appropriate

way, with prisoners stating that they understand the process and are able to put their

own case.

2.5 Are prisoners treated humanely?

2.5.1 Properly managing the safe and humane segregation of prisoners on residential

units has been a live issue throughout the year and several new strategies have been

deployed by the prison, some more successful than others. The situation is improving so

that fewer YPs and YAs are remaining in isolation on Good Order or Discipline (GOoD)

for more than a few days before being reintegrated back on to residential units. Those

who are isolated are being monitored and reviewed more frequently and efficiently by

the appropriate agencies, as well as the IMB.

2.5.2 The Board continues to monitor the segregation of YPs on Ibis unit where they

are still being accommodated alongside YAs. This is an issue of safeguarding and has

been an urgent concern raised by the IMB with the Minister and the YJB over a number

7

of years. The Board also acknowledges the strenuous efforts made by senior

management to achieve approval and funding for the development of a specialist CSRU

for juveniles only. This would be in addition to the ESU currently under development.

2.5.3 The Board notes that prison staff generally treat prisoners with kindness and

respect. It is very common to see staff engaged in natural, friendly conversation with

prisoners. IMB members regularly witness officers exercising extreme patience and

professionalism in persuading prisoners to comply with instructions rather than resort

to use of force. However, there have also been a few occasions when members have

witnessed hostility directed at prisoners by officers.

2.5.4 The Board receives a small number of applications from prisoners each year

complaining of verbal abuse or physical assaults by staff. It is difficult to establish the

truth in individual cases, but with the prisoner’s permission the IMB refers every case

directly to senior management and then monitors how the issues are investigated and

resolved.

2.5.5 Time out of cell continues to be an issue of concern. The Board recognises the

constraints on the prison considering the difficult nature of some prisoners, the need for

security and the variable levels of staffing, but is concerned that prisoners are given

only the basic requirement of time out of cell and sometimes not even that.

2.5.6 Some prisoners choose not to take up all the opportunities offered for out of cell

activities which effectively makes them self-isolating. The prison management is now

making renewed efforts to encourage all prisoners to participate fully in education and

other purposeful activity.

2.5.7 HMIP commented in January 2017 that most prisoners at Feltham lack healthy

amounts of exercise and fresh air and the Board would agree with that judgement.

During periods of low staffing, some statutory daily exercise sessions were cancelled on

the B Side at very short notice. The Board did not find this action acceptable and the

matter was raised with the Governor.

2.5.8 There are not sufficient opportunities for prisoners to take part in sport, or

outdoor activities such as gardening or basic grounds maintenance, as the risk

assessments deemed necessary to address keep-apart issues often preclude this. The

board regrets that opportunities for prisoners to be outdoors have reduced over the

years.

2.5.9 Previously the prison had provided opportunities for prisoners to help with

garden maintenance in the extensive grounds. The current maintenance contract with

Carillion makes this difficult. Re-introducing this opportunity may realistically benefit

only a small number of enhanced grade prisoners but the IMB considers it would be a

worthwhile initiative.

8

2.5.10 There are not enough activities available, and this is most obvious at weekends.

Simple measures such as allowing prisoners to eat together in the association area, at

least as an option, would result in more humane conditions than obliging them to eat all

their meals alone in their cells.

2.5.11 All prisoners are allocated a personal officer on arrival onto a residential unit,

but the IMB has noted that some prisoners are not aware of who theirs is. This issue has

been raised with unit officers and with senior management at monthly meetings.

2.5.12 Staff morale across the prison was low following the findings of the HMIP report

in January 2017 and the IMB noted that this was having a negative impact on the day-to-

day experience of the prisoners. Morale seems to have improved over the year as

staffing levels have improved and positive initiatives have been implemented to

promote staff wellbeing.

2.6 Are the prisoners prepared well for their release?

2.6.1 All YPs receive daily education either in classrooms, workshops or via outreach

on their unit. YAs also receive education or workshop training but fewer hours.

Education and training is provided by dedicated teaching staff. Many prisoners receive

at least some benefit from improved literacy and numeracy as well as “tasters” in trade

courses such as bricklaying, painting, motor mechanics etc. However very few higher-

level qualifications are offered.

2.6.2 Selected prisoners are allowed release on temporary licence (RoTL) to

undertake college courses or to gain work experience.

2.6.3 The prison’s accommodation contract has had good success in finding some form

of accommodation for YAs to go to after release. Prisoners say that this is often at very

short notice which can make other arrangements difficult.

2.6.4 Other services are offered to prisoners nearing the end of their sentence such as

helping to arrange GP registration or advice on how to open a bank account.

2.6.5 It is difficult for the IMB to properly evaluate to what extent programmes such as

anger management courses and restorative justice sessions prepare prisoners for

release. Several contracting providers are engaged with those prisoners on a regular

basis.

9

DESIRABLE OUTCOMES

In the context of this annual report the Independent Monitoring Board considers

that the following outcomes would be desirable:

2.7 THE MINISTER

Staffing: The number of uniformed staff will be maintained at a sufficiently high level to

fully deliver the daily regime to all prisoners, enabling them to expect more time out of

their cells and to engage in purposeful activity. [2.4.1] [2.4.6] [5.1.4] [8.7.3] [9.1.4]

[9.1.5] [9.2.6]

A national specialist provision will be established for prisoners with severe mental

health issues. Prison is clearly an unsuitable environment for mentally ill young

prisoners. They cannot be properly supported or prepared adequately for release whilst

in normal custody. [8.6]

2.8 HMPPS

The tracking of property between the courts and establishments, and between

establishments, will be significantly improved to reduce the unacceptable delays in

restoring property to prisoners and will properly compensate them for any loss. [2.4.5]

[2.4.6] [5.4.1]

A separate CSRU for YPs will be fully funded and delivered at Feltham within the next

twelve months. The IMB has raised this previously in its annual reports as a matter of

extreme concern. [2.5.2] [6.1.1]

2.9 CARILLION

The reporting system for all prison estate maintenance and repairs will be made more

efficient and responsive. When the basic decency and wellbeing of young prisoners is

affected the response from Carillion must always be designated as urgent. [7.1] [7.4]

[9.1.12]

10

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT

3.1 HMYOI Feltham is situated in West London, close to Heathrow Airport. The

prison is made up of two parts: Feltham A which holds young people aged 15 to 18

years and Feltham B which holds young adults aged 18 to 21 years.

3.2 The establishment serves some London courts and holds young people/adults

from a wide catchment area across the south of England.

3.3 The Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA) is 768. Due to the temporary

closure of some units for refurbishment over the year the operational CNA is currently

560.

3.4 Feltham A holds young people who may be on remand, convicted or sentenced.

The roll has remained static at approximately 150 for the third year running.

Accommodation is predominantly in single occupancy rooms with integral sanitation

facilities. There is one first night/induction unit on Bittern and five further residential

units.

3.5 Feltham B holds young adults who are all sentenced prisoners. New arrivals are

placed initially on Kingfisher, the induction unit. There are a further six residential

units, each with the capacity to accommodate up to 56 YAs. Cells are mainly single

occupancy with a small number offering double occupancy. All cells have integral

sanitation facilities. All units operate the IEP scheme.

11

4 SAFETY

4.1 Conflict Resolution

4.1.1 The Conflict Resolution (CR) team was formed during this reporting period, with

positive feedback from the cases processed so far. To date, the team has dealt with 137

cases.

4.1.2 All YPs involved in a prisoner on prisoner incident are interviewed by the CR

team. At the initial interviews (J1 level) YPs are assessed individually to discuss an

incident. At the subsequent interviews (J2 level) all the YPs involved in the incident

meet to mediate. Since the CR team began its work 237 J1 level interviews have taken

place and 63 have resulted in a J2 level mediations. Following these J2 mediations only 3

YPs became involved in further conflict with each other. This gives a success rate of over

95%.

4.2 Security

4.2.2 The increased import of drugs continues to be a concern. This became noticeable

soon after the transfer of the Feltham-based drug detector dogs to a regional hub in

October 2016.

4.2.3 The Mandatory Drug Test (MDT) failure rate is now running at 7% (prison’s own

target 4%) with a previous failure rate of just 1%. This is the first time for many years

that the annual target has been breached by such a large percentage.

4.2.4. Mobile phones, chargers and other illegal items have been found on prisoners

after visits and during cell searches. Several visitors were prosecuted by police as a

result.

4.3 Minimising and Managing Physical Restraint (MMPR) Feltham A

4.3.1 The Board is pleased to report that roll-out of the new MMPR techniques was

completed on A Side in October 2016. It is difficult to assess the impact statistically as

there are no comparable figures for the previous reporting period.

4.3.2 There were 405 logged incidents where MMPR techniques were deployed.

Several of these incidents involved both staff and prisoners being assaulted at the same

time so were recorded as separate items.

Prisoner on Staff Prisoner on Prisoner Multi-perpetrator fights

28 204 229

4.3.3 Given that the average YP roll on Feltham A averaged between 130-150 this

indicates a continued high level of violence. At times staff have found it difficult to keep

up to date with all the paperwork required for the MMPR technique.

12

4.4 Use of Reasonable Force (UoRF) Feltham B

4.4.1 The number of Control and Restraint (C&R) and UoRF incidents has remained

the same as in the previous 12 months at around 500, with fights between YAs being the

main reason for use of force. Monthly figures range from 34-83, and the number of

incidents was unusually high in October 2017 with several multi-perpetrator fights

between residents on just two units accounting for the big increase.

4.5 SAFER CUSTODY

The above figures remain in line with the previous 12 months.

4.5.1 The quality of entries in ACCT documents is generally good. It is informative with

some excellent examples of interactions.

4.5.2 Incidents of self-harm are usually minor and do not require more physical

assistance than a visit by the nurse or doctor. However, one YA has caused the prison,

and the IMB, considerable concern this year by exhibiting extreme levels of self-harm

which necessitated several urgent visits to hospital. Officers and clinical staff showed

impressive patience and care for him despite the deeply traumatising nature of his

behaviour.

4.5.3 There are on average two Peer Supporters based on the induction unit, Bittern.

They take a very active part in the induction process and spend time talking to new

prisoners during association, helping with any issues raised. The scheme is currently

being revised so that it can be accredited as an education pathway and included in the

prisoner’s achievements.

4.5.4 Listeners are YAs who are trained by the Samaritans team to respond to other

prisoners when they are distressed. Most months there were approximately six trained

Listeners available, but on occasion there was just one.

4.5.5 Listeners responded to a total of 299 calls. However not all requests by prisoners

to see a Listener could be facilitated by staff and this issue was raised several times by

the IMB.

4.5.6 The Board commends both the Samaritans and the Listeners for their many

hours of commitment and valuable work.

Total Self Harm Incidents No of Prisoners ACCTs opened ACCTs closed

YP 35 29 80 57

YA 124 83 141 93

13

5 EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS

5.1 Equality & Diversity Action Team

5.1.1 The prison has a dedicated Equalities team that engages effectively with both

staff and prisoners. Equality Action Team (EAT) Meetings are held monthly without fail

and are well attended by staff.

5.1.2 The IMB regularly attends the EAT meetings, as do prisoners who offer verbal

feedback on focus groups held on both the A and B sides. The input from these prisoners

is extremely useful to the team and forms a valuable part of the process.

5.1.3 The IMB understands that the new Equalities Monitoring Tool requires only

quarterly reporting, however, in recognition of the importance of the diversity agenda,

senior management meet and review data every month. This is an area of particularly

good practice for which the prison should be commended.

5.2 Discrimination Incident Report Forms (DIRFs)

Over the course of the reporting period 89 DIRFs were received by the prison.

Prisoner

complaint about

Staff

Staff complaint

about Prisoner

Prisoner

complaint about

Prisoner

Other

26 50 7 6

5.3 Foreign Nationals

5.3.1 The monthly average of foreign national prisoners held at Feltham is 91 with an

average of 26 YAs and 65 YPs.

5.3.2 Up to 42 different nationalities were represented within the reporting period.

5.4 Unfairness

5.4.1 Prisoners at Feltham, like many in custody in other establishments, regularly

contact the IMB for help in locating missing property. The loss of property has a

significant impact on the lives of prisoners both while they are in custody and, if never

recovered, after release. Instances of property going missing within the establishment

are occasionally reported to the IMB but most often it goes missing when prisoners are

transferred to Feltham from the courts and other establishments. A modernised

national system is urgently needed to address this problem.

5.5 Visits

5.5.1 Visits for YPs are held in a recently renovated area on the A Side, which includes

a café staffed by prisoners, comfortable seating and art displays. It provides a

14

welcoming and appropriate venue for prisoners to meet with their families and other

visitors.

5.5.2 The Education department holds regular open days for prisoners’ parents and

carers to learn from teaching staff about their progress.

5.5.3 Visits for YAs are held in a less hospitable venue. Despite on-going plans to open

a small coffee bar, there are still no operational catering facilities, which is

disappointing.

5.5.4 During the reporting period there were three family days on the B-side, which

were well run and supported by a range of prison services and volunteers. These were

successful events enjoyed by the YAs and their families but were only available to

Enhanced Level prisoners.

5.6 Chaplaincy

5.6.1 Chaplaincy plays an important part in the daily life of prisoners across the

establishment. Members of the Chaplaincy team, made up of two Anglican priests, three

Imams, two Catholic priests and some lay volunteers, make regular visits to all the

residential units and daily visits to the segregated prisoners and patients on the mental

health unit. The manager of the Chaplaincy team is always present at both the weekly

Behaviour Management Meetings and he plays an effective part in monitoring the welfare

of all prisoners placed on GOoD on unit.

5.6.2 Friday prayers are held at the mosque at Feltham and are well attended. Eucharist

services are held on Sundays in the RC and CE chapels and are also popular with many

prisoners.

5.6.3 The Chaplaincy team also facilitates successful courses, such as the one run by the

Sycamore Tree Project, for prisoners wishing to address their offending behaviour. An

Alpha course on the basics of Christian faith was run for the second year and was again

over-subscribed.

5.6.4 Prisoners wishing to observe Ramadan are fully supported by the prison and their

daily regime is adjusted to take into consideration fasting and washing.

15

6 ADJUDICATION, SEGREGATION, CARE AND SEPARATION

6.1 CSRU

6.1.1 The Care, Separation and Reintegration Unit (CSRU) is located on Ibis unit, and

still accommodates both YPs and YAs. As mentioned in several previous annual reports,

the IMB continues to regard the provision of a separate CSRU as an urgent requirement

to provide a safe, humane and decent environment for YPs held in segregation.

6.1.2 The layout of Ibis unit, with cells facing one other on a long corridor, means that

prisoners shout and interact with each other through cell doors and windows, making

for a very noisy, and sometimes intimidating environment. The location of staff offices

at one end only makes interaction between staff and prisoners less easy.

6.1.3 The physical environment of Ibis unit is stark with limited facilities which is not

altogether conducive to promoting reintegration. During this year, staff have made

laudable efforts to improve the environment including repainting the corridor to give a

much brighter feel to the unit. They have also have carried out some new planting in the

exercise yard and continue to make efforts to improve the unit at minimum monetary

cost.

6.1.4 A new daily regime has been introduced on Ibis providing timetabled periods for

interventions, such as Education and Psychology to visit the unit. This is a great

improvement.

6.1.5 There was an increase in the number of YPs accommodated on Ibis in 2016/17,

365 compared with 327 in the previous year.

6.1.6 There was also an increase in the number of YAs accommodated on Ibis in

2016/17, 542 compared with 407 in the previous year.

6.1.7 The Board is pleased to see a considerable reduction in the number of YPs who

spent more than 21 consecutive days in segregation on Ibis - 2 YPs compared with 20

the previous year - reflecting concerted efforts by the prison management to see all

segregated prisoners returned to normal location as soon as possible.

6.1.8 The figure for YAs spending more than 21 days on the CSRU remains the same at

six over the year.

6.1.9 Board members continue to experience difficulty in ascertaining in advance the

time for those GOoD reviews scheduled to take place on Ibis. This has made regular

attendance by the IMB more difficult. New management procedures are starting to

improve this situation.

16

6.1.10 The Board is satisfied that the necessary information is available at GOoD

reviews on Ibis, that YPs and YAs usually attend and have an opportunity to make

representations in person.

6.1.11 IMB members have expressed concern to senior management that Healthcare

representatives are often not present at GOoD reviews on Ibis.

6.1.12 Except as mentioned above, the Board is satisfied with the regime on Ibis. The

Board is satisfied that relevant paperwork is kept up to date and is always available to

be scrutinised.

6.1.13 A member of the Board is normally informed within 24 hours of moves on to Ibis

for GOoD and is always informed by telephone if the use of special accommodation has

happened.

6.1.14 Board members speak freely with all residents on Ibis several times a week, either

through their door or, depending on the time of visit, with the door opened.

6.1.15 The Board has monitored the way cellular confinement and special

accommodation have been used on Ibis unit. This has been satisfactory. There has been

no use of mechanical restraint and no dirty protests on Ibis during this reporting period,

although appropriate policies and procedures are in place if required.

6.1.16 Prisoners with mental health issues are visited regularly by CMHT and

psychology staff. A member of the IMB regularly attends the monthly Segregation

Monitoring and Reporting Group (SMARG) meetings.

6.2 Segregation on residential units

6.2.1 The Board noted as a concern in last year’s report that some prisoners were

being placed on GOoD whilst still on their normal residential unit instead of being

removed to Ibis. The Board was concerned that due process, relating to GOoD was not

being followed in some cases and that some prisoners were remaining in segregation

for too long without proper review.

6.2.2 At the beginning of the year there appeared to be a good deal of confusion on

some units between the different definitions of segregation with Single Unlock, Safe

Systems of Work (SSoW) and Good Order or Discipline (GOoD) appearing to be

interchangeable. The IMB noted that some self-isolating prisoners were not being

reviewed within appropriate time limits and were spending long periods of time behind

their doors. This matter was raised frequently with the Governor at monthly Board

meetings.

17

6.2.3 Considerable changes and improvements have since taken place. A full review of

segregation by senior management began in July and new initiatives were implemented.

Initially, there were too many prisoners being segregated on their unit as a sanction or

self-isolating, and it was clear to the Board that the daily workload for officers in

managing separate regimes for these prisoners was too great.

6.2.4 The prison had introduced a new system for the management of YPs on GOoD on

normal location, giving unit staff the information and tools to work better with

individual YPs and to move them off GOoD back to normal regime as soon as

practicable.

6.2.5 Establishment policy is now that YAs who choose to self-isolate, will no longer be

permitted to remain on normal location, but will instead be placed on GOoD and moved

to and managed on Ibis. This has the virtue of helping YAs to stop self-isolating but has

caused the IMB some concerns about the mental health and welfare of a few very

vulnerable YAs.

6.2.6 Mediation and/or support with gang related issues is offered to YPs and YAs and

this is proving to be effective with prisoners who choose to self-isolate.

6.2.7 Details of all segregated YPs and YAs are collated daily by a designated GOoD

team and are shared with all relevant agencies and the IMB. Every aspect of each

segregated prisoner’s care and behaviour is discussed at great length at the multi-

disciplinary Behaviour Management Meetings (BMM) held weekly for both sides of the

prison. The IMB now factors both BMMs into its weekly rota duties.

6.2.8 The IMB was very pleased to see Phase One of the Enhanced Separation Unit

(ESU) begin on Albatross unit on the A-Side. This was due to open in November 2017 to

cater for the most troublesome and complex YPs, thus removing them from the other

residential units. It is hoped that this initiative, long overdue, will bring improved

regime conditions for prisoners and staff on those other units.

18

7 ACCOMMODATION

7.1 The poor state of the buildings and fittings remains a cause for concern. Many

issues have been brought to the attention of the Board over the reporting period by

officers and prisoners. These issues include leaking roofs, broken washing machines

and tumble dryers, broken lighting in corridors and an inefficient central heating

system. Two prisoners reported having to sleep fully clothed in winter because cell

windows would not close and another reported having to sleep on the floor to avoid

condensation dripping from walls and ceiling.

7.2 The IMB has monitored the state of the communal showers across the prison and

noted with some concern the lack of ventilation, rust, mould and general build-up of

grime.

7.3 The IMB received several complaints from unit staff saying that insufficient clean

clothing was available every week from the prison laundry to allow prisoners to change

their kit as frequently as hygiene requires. The laundry outsources all its washing to

HMP Wormwood Scrubs and an improved system of tallying the loads has recently been

implemented. However, Carillion managers reported that an unacceptable amount of

prisoner clothing is discarded in the showers by prisoners and then thrown away by

officers. This inevitably results in much less clothing going to the laundry in the first

instance.

7.4 Carillion

7.4.1 The Board has established a good working relationship with the Head of Works

at Feltham and appreciates the hard work that he and his workforce put into

maintaining the premises, some of which is now not fit for purpose.

7.4.2 Carillion plc operates a centralised system for reporting all faults, however major

or minor, via a call centre based in Sheffield. This reporting process cannot be

circumvented by staff contacting the Head of Works at Feltham directly. As a result, the

urgency of repairs is very often not communicated effectively, and vital work is

awarded a lower priority by the call centre than it merits.

7.4.3 Repairs are often carried out only for the fault to occur again almost immediately

and the whole reporting process has then to be repeated.

7.4.4 The Board continues to raise all these issues as a matter of decency.

19

8 HEALTHCARE

8.1 The independent provider of primary healthcare at Feltham is Care UK.

8.2 Feltham has a good range of healthcare provision, with nurses and other support

staff available seven days a week and a GP and a dentist visiting two days a week. The

services provided are of a high standard and the staff are dedicated and professional.

8.3 The prisoners are readily able to make appointments with the healthcare team

by filling out a form on their units or speaking to their personal officer. The very high

Did Not Attend (DNA) rate of two years ago is gradually dropping as Care UK has

strategies in place to encourage prisoners to be aware of their own health and to remind

them to attend their appointments. The reason for non-attendance is not always

recorded but may include a clash with a family or legal visit.

YP total DNA % YA total DNA %

GP appointments 523 19.5 1522 12

Dentist 383 27 1019 13

Nurse 2802 10 5256 10

8.4 On the few occasions when there have been complaints to the IMB about

healthcare, the healthcare department has always given members a helpful and

constructive response.

8.5 Mental Health

8.5.1 Wren unit accommodates both YAs and YPs who have been assessed as having a

significant mental health condition. The same unit is also used for small numbers of

YA/YPs as a place of safety - and occasionally for those with a physical health issue. The

staff on Wren, both Care UK clinical staff and prison officers, are well informed about

and engage well with those in their care. The Board commends them for their patience

and professionalism.

8.5.2 Long delays in getting referred patients transferred to secure hospitals is mainly

due to a lack of beds available in these establishments. Although only small numbers are

affected, this continues to be a serious problem. Any patient who is referred by the

prison to secure hospital is, by definition, extremely mentally ill. The Board continues to

monitor the care of these very vulnerable patients by the clinical and security staff at

Feltham who are often witness to very distressing behaviour indeed.

8.5.3 The Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) includes a psychiatrist, full time

psychologists and some specialist nurses to serve those prisoners not accommodated

on Wren.

20

8.5.4 During the twelve months to the end of October 2017, the healthcare team

responded urgently to 62 Code Blue callouts from unit officers. These callouts included

cases of asthma attacks, but a significant proportion related to prisoners self-harming

through ligature use. During the same period, there were eight responses to Code Red,

and these cases related to prisoners self-harming.

8.6 Other health issues

8.6.1 The smoking cessation course is still so popular that there is a waiting list.

Feltham is due to become a wholly non-smoking prison in March 2018.

8.6.2 In the previous report the Board mentioned the imminent installation of an X-ray

machine at Feltham. Although the machine was installed, it is still not in use. This is

because Care UK is waiting for NHS England to arrange the necessary calibration and

operating procedures.

8.6.3 There is a similar frustration for Healthcare in relation to the four medication

hubs, two on A-side and two on B-side. Secure cabinets in suitable rooms have been

available for some time but a lack of escorting staff often meant that these were not

used. Nurses have been required to go from unit to unit with medication instead. This

sometime led to delays in prisoners receiving their daily medication which was a cause

for concern for the officers.

8.6.4 In the latter part of December 2016, there was an outbreak of Norovirus. There

was a prompt response to the outbreak including treatment of those affected; testing of

samples; advice to prisoners, staff and visitors; restrictions on movements; deep

cleaning of residential units. These measures proved effective in containing the

outbreak. The prison ran an additional contingency exercise in 2017 to address all

aspects of the management of another contagious outbreak.

21

9 EDUCATION, PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY AND PREPARATION FOR RELEASE

Over the course of the year, the prisoner focus groups reported concerns consistent

with those observed by the IMB. These included the severely limited access to

purposeful activity, especially at the beginning of the reporting period when Education

and Workshops were regularly cancelled due to staff shortages.

9.1 A Side Education

9.1.1 The Prospects senior education manager left in July; an experienced and able

interim is covering until the new manager takes up her post in January 2018.

9.1.2 The department is staffed with a dedicated team of educational practitioners.

Due to the nature of the population, which includes both remanded and sentenced YPs,

many learners come and go within the six-term annual cycle. It is difficult to keep

continuity in teaching and learning as well as improve on overall attainment.

9.1.3 Recruitment and retention of experienced teaching staff continues to present a

problem. The security vetting process is extremely slow, and some teachers find that

they are unable to manage the poor behaviour which regularly occurs in the classroom.

9.1.4 The reporting year saw a gradual improvement in attendance at Education as

senior management and the Prospects team co-operated to prevent the frequent

cancellation of sessions at short notice. The reason most often given was security staff

shortages. By the end of the reporting period, there was a 79% reduction in

cancellations.

9.1.5 The IMB noted with considerable concern that many YPs were expressing their

frustration and resentment at not being allowed to access education; instead they were

confined to their cells for long periods at a time. This issue was raised with the

Governor at several board meetings as a matter of humane and decent treatment.

9.1.6 In March 2017 the SMT set a 10% overall improvement target for attendance

and by June this had been achieved. The marked improvement was helped by the new

instruction to Security Detail that no education sessions for A or B side could be

cancelled without the express permission of the duty governor on the day.

9.1.7 Maintaining the improvement in attendance was not always straightforward, as

violence in the classrooms led to some sessions being abandoned. Subsequent removal

of disruptive YPs from education was of concern to all. However, by the end of the

reporting period attendance figures had reached 72%, an improvement of over the year

of 25%.

22

9.1.8 The opening of the Enhanced Support Unit (ESU), new establishment-wide

incentives schemes, and a switch to a culture of rewarding positive behaviour should

see a marked reduction in absence due to incidents of violence.

9.1.9 An audit of movement times to and from Education, initiated by Prospects in

July, showed that a very large number of timetabled learner hours were being used up

because of the slow and inefficient escort system. Collecting YPs from their residential

units on a class-by-class basis more than halved movement times over a few weeks;

class subject groups were able to start all together and on time.

9.1.10 Subject teaching has been allocated by rotation to different classrooms in the

Education corridor to prevent the same groups of learners having to start first/last

every day.

9.1.11 The locked classroom door initiative implemented on both A and B side last year

proved successful. Attainment has measurably improved, and teaching and learning has

become more consistent.

9.1.12 Catering course facilities are still poor; a reduction of 11% on the improvement

tracker reflects this. Although Prospects submitted a bid which the Governor approved

mid-2016, Carillion has not undertaken the work as it was not considered a priority.

The IMB reported this in its annual report last year and regrets that the work is still on

the waiting list.

9.1.12 In the final quarter of this academic year 87% of learners stated that they felt

safe in the classroom, 88% understood what was expected of them in education and an

average of 60% were actively aware of their English, Maths and ICT targets. 89% of

learners felt they were fully supported to complete exams - which is a great

improvement on last year’s 50%.

9.1.13 36% of learners complained that they had not been given the pathway that they

had chosen. Only 9% of learners were unsure whether their targets were the right level

for them and 11% of learners did not feel fully supported by their tutors.

9.1.14 95% of learners felt safe in the outreach classroom and 100% understood what

was expected of them. 90% of learners felt supported by their tutors and 95% said they

felt well supported to complete exams. However, 33% of learners did not wish to be on

any type of outreach programme.

23

9.1.15 The Advisory Governing Body (AGB) meets quarterly to receive the reports from

Prospects and helps give a strategic overview of the educational provision for the young

people.

9.1.16 The Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is currently leading on

gaining full Autism Accreditation for HMYOI Feltham in 2018.

9.1.17 There are 69 learners attending Education A who have diagnosed Special

Educational Needs. The largest groups are –

Dyslexia ADHD Learning

difficulty

Co-morbidity Full statement of SEN

25 28 32 31 23

9.2 B side Education

9.2.1 Education provision for YAs is by Novus. The Board acknowledges Novus staff

for their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to the provision of learning for young

adults. Prisoners are allocated to courses that are relevant or specified in their sentence

plan. There is a good induction programme and good communication with prisoners

about their pathway.

9.2.2 The Librarian now attends the weekly Behaviour Management Meetings.

9.2.3 The Library won the Medical Display Challenge and won a shield for 3/5 Maths

Challenge. The author Lynda La Plante visited to give a talk which was well received.

9.2.4 Functional Skills have not improved since last year. Many prisoners regard them

as a punishment rather than something which will help their future employability.

9.2.5 Board members have observed YAs engaging in lessons, although there are some

concerns that the current three-and-a-half-hour session is too long for them to

concentrate.

9.2.6 Attendance has been and continues to be an issue due to staff shortages. At its

worst, in February 2017, 5,838 learner hours were lost, mainly due to prison staff

shortages - 46% of the total hours available. However, by the end of the reporting

period, although staff shortages still caused some cancellations, there was a 10%

increase in learner places and learners allocated.

9.3.8 The Bounce Back scheme began in 2017, where risk-assessed YAs undertook

building work in the prison alongside Carillion. The scheme was very popular and

started well, as it gave the YAs a chance to learn new skills alongside experienced

contractors. Unfortunately, the scheme stalled due to Prison Officer Association (POA)

24

concerns that prisoners had access to potentially dangerous tools. The scheme has now

re-started in a modified form, with painting substituted for plastering and construction.

This is regrettable as the full scheme would have given prisoners much greater

eligibility for building trade apprenticeships after release.

9.3 Work, Training and Employment

9.3.1 A total of 62 prisoners took part in Release on Temporary Licence (RoTL). In

total 1013 days of RoTL were facilitated, and this enabled prisoners to attend family

resettlement days, town visits, home leave, employment fairs and careers days.

9.3.2 Some prisoners have gone into education, training or employment directly after

release. In the past year, five prisoners have gone on to higher education, including one

to the University of Greenwich and one to the Open University.

9.3.3 Work experience placements included Crown Golf, Surrey Beekeepers

Association, Sue Ryder charity shop and Spurgeon’s Visitors Centre. Adding these

placements to their CVs has been a huge positive for the prisoners involved.

9.3.4 All activities on RoTL contribute to the learners’ Duke of Edinburgh Bronze

Award.

9.3.5 Accredited courses such as the Airborne initiative, Duke of Edinburgh Bronze

and Silver awards, Community Sports Leaders award and RESCO employment

programme. Football Changes Lives and the Saracens Rugby programmes are popular

and oversubscribed.

9.3.6 Continued collaboration between London Fire Brigade and the Greater London

Prison Service enabled ten prisoners to attend a hands-on course at New Malden fire

station over the past year. The Fire Brigade are regular visitors to Feltham running a

variety of sessions for prisoners to take part in.

9.3.7 The head librarian is working on establishing an accredited library qualification

for the orderlies employed there.

9.4 Preparation for Release

9.4.1 An average of 14 YPs and 35 YAs are released each month. No special provision

is made for education or workshop training in their 12-week release plan. Often

accommodation is not confirmed until shortly before release. In some cases, this

confirmation is only received 48 hours before release, which makes it difficult to

arrange employment or further education. However, the resettlement team does

arrange appointments with education providers or with Reed Employment.

25

9.4.2 For those not returning to their homes, the Stonham Bass organisation liaises

with local bail hostels, although there is a long waiting list.

9.4.3 Bank accounts and GP placements are arranged for YPs by the prison before their

release although this can only be done once their accommodation is confirmed.

9.4.4 YAs and YPs reported to the IMB that they are mostly satisfied with the help they

receive from the prison prior to release.

26

C Section – Work of Board

Recruitment

The Board has undertaken one recruitment campaign during the reporting period and is

currently involved in another. In both instances Board members attempted to reach out

to individuals and organisations who could identify potential candidates from black and

minority ethnic (BME) communities. Recruitment overall has proved difficult and

particularly so from members of these communities. The Board recognises this as an

area in need of improvement. Further support from the Secretariat in expanding the

way in which it advertises IMB vacancies could further assist in this effort.

BOARD STATISTICS

Recommended Complement of Board Members 20

Number of Board members at the start of the reporting

period

1 11

Number of Board members at the end of the reporting period 1 12

Total number of visits to the Establishment 470

27

D Section - Applications

▪ Overall applications down 25%, Property transfer applications down 35%,

Discipline applications down 6%, Staff/prisoner concerns down 36%, Finance

applications up 333%

Code Subject Current

reporting

year

Previous

reporting

year

A Accommodation

including laundry, clothing, ablutions

10 16

B Discipline including adjudications, IEP,

sanctions

17 44

C Equality 2 9

D Purposeful Activity including education, work,

training, library, regime, time out of cell

12 15

E 1 Letters, visits, phones, public protection

restrictions

8 16

E 2 Finance including pay, private monies, spends 26 6

F Food and kitchens 2 3

G Health including physical, mental, social care 15 8

H 1 Property within this establishment 20 19

H 2 Property during transfer or in another

establishment or location

31 48

H 3 Canteen, facility list, catalogue(s) 11 8

I Sentence management including HDC, ROTL,

parole, release dates, re-categorisation

29 33

J Staff/prisoner concerns including bullying 16 25

K Transfers 15 24

Total number of IMB applications 214 274